Motorcycling to Hidden Buddist Stupa,mini Khajuraho and Isagarh

Hi There
      After making a lot of new year resolutions,which lasted only for couple of days it was time to saddle up again.Today was a bit different ride ,in that I was leading a couple of riders ,for their first 300km ride,and it was great fun,
     
      Route            - Jhansi-Picchore-Rajapur-Kadwaya-Isagarh-Rannod-Picchore-Jhansi

      Rd cond         - Excellent road fit for all types of bikes.Isagarh-Rannod is a dirt road but in good condition.

     Rd side assistance- Limited.But people are very friendly.

     Eating Joints     - We had lunch in Picchore town,excellent food.

Rajapur Buddhist Stupa 

   It is located on road Rajapur -Kadwaya.Legend says it has Urn of Mahatma Buddha. Absolutely forgotten and neglected,however now efforts are being done to restore it.However there is no religious activity in spite of being so sacred.

      The beauty about the construction is, that the material used is all local  stone tiles arranged in 5 storeys,the base being square.80%  of structure is intact.

Kadwaya

       The road from Rajapur to Kadwaya is beautiful having lush green fields on both sides of the road till your eyes can see.After the morning chill the weather had become bright and sunny a beautiful day to ride.

      The Kadwaya temple complex were build in 10th century.There are about 6 complex in and around the village.Also there is a  monastery in the centre ,which is now being restored.

   

     The Kadwaya temples were built by Shaiva sect,in  Kachhapaghata style of architecture.It has very beautiful intricate work on stone .It seems as if  temple above temple ,have been constructed.Large scale destruction has also taken place,were in invaders have deformed the many beautiful statues.

      Even the roof are beautifully carved , a mesmerising piece of  art.

                                                     

      The largest temple is known as Chandal math, it has consist of  a garbha-griha, antaral and mandapa. It is one of the best temples and has similar art as that of sun temple of Madkhera near Tikamgarh. The more we gazed the more beautiful the we found the temple,one wonders how did they constructed it ? it is not possible in today's time even to replicate, it in spite of all technology.

Beautifully carved entrance to garbha -griha

Shiv idol in garbha-griha

 Roof of Mandap

Side walls of Mandap

Pillar of Antaral

      The temple has number of carvings similar to Khajuraho.Another beauty is it has many faces of yaksha-similar to mask used by Chinese during festivals.

      Few other beautiful carvings.

      The Monastery is a 4 storey structure ,located in the centre of Kadwaya Village.It was used by Shiva sect monks as centre of learning.It was located in a fort,of which only some portion of outer bastion wall remains.It has number of room used as living quarters ,a central hall,Shiv temple and a well in the premises.Till date the water of well is being used.

Living quarters

 Entrance to well 

Central hall Arch

Central Courtyard

Ishagarh

      Ishagarh was captured by Scindias during the capture of Kolaras,Paragah and surrounding areas.It was a district till independence,there after it was merged with Guna dist on creation of MP state.

     The fort of Isagarh came into prominence,when during first war of independence it was captured by Tatya Tope from Scindia. After the retreat of Tatya Tope to Chanderi,it was captured by British and later on handed over to Scindia. There is not much remaining in the fort,as it functioned as police station from British times till 20 yrs back.Again it is a multistory  building which has a commanding view from the top floor of surrounding area.

        By the time we finished visiting all the places it was well past lunch time ,and due to continuous riding we were damn hungry,so we decided to have lunch in Picchore town.Our decision was correct as we found a very good small veg dhabha which was strongly recommended by locals.He served our order in 15mins,it was exceptionally well prepared food and very cheap too.

      And as the evening shadows got longer it was time to head back home. One more memorable ride day came to an end .